RYA Helmsman /Start Motor Cruising

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RYA  HELMSMAN / START MOTOR CRUISING

COURSE

When do the courses run?  How do I find out course dates?

Dorset Marine Training runs the RYA Helmsman / Start motor cruising Course to suit you, our client.

The ‘Helmsman’ course is two days whilst the ‘Start Motor Cruising’ is a single day.

We can run courses seven days a week so if you want to book a course with a friend or family member just contact us with your preferred dates and we will do our best to accommodate you.  We operate all year.

What if I want to book just one place?

There are two options: You are welcome to book the full course for yourself to ensure one to one tuition or to book with a friend and we’ll run it as a private course.  Alternatively, we run courses each month on which we take individual bookings and for these you may be placed on a course with other students (max ratio 3 students to 1 boat/instructor).

Do I need my own boat?  What if I already have a boat?

The RYA Helmsman / Start motor cruising Course can be taken on our boat or yours.  If taking the course on your own boat then we can train at a location suitable for you and up to three people can be trained at a time.  If you don’t have a boat then grab a friend and come to a course on our Motor cruiser.

Who is the RYA Helmsman / start motor cruising course suitable for?

This  Helmsman course will suit both complete beginners and those with some experience on the water but wish to develop skills or obtain a qualification.  The course can be taken by those aged 12 and over but they must be mature enough to understand the full syllabus including the theory.  Alternatively, the ‘Start Motor cruising’ is a much more basic introduction. If in doubt about suitability please call us to chat.

How many people will be on the course with me?

We usually run these courses for just three people who book together and there is normally just one course running at a time which means we can give you our full attention.  If you have booked an individual place then there may be other students on the course with you.  You can of course book a private course for one to one tuition.

Can I obtain an ICC or International ‘License’ via this course?

No, this RYA Helmsman Course does not allow you to apply for an ICC. For vessels over 10m in length, you will need to take a ‘Dayskipper Practical’ course

What if the weather is bad?

We are very lucky with the area in which we operate that we can usually find a protected part of the harbour to train.  In the rare event of inclement weather, we will contact you to discuss.  We can either postpone the training or issue a refund if the training has not yet started.

What if I need to cancel?

Our full cancellation terms are given in our terms and conditions attached to the enquiry email we send out.  Please be assured that we understand that circumstances do occasionally change and we will do our best to work with you to rearrange training if necessary.

Who will be teaching me?

The Chief instructor will normally teach the course.  You can therefore be assured that you will receive enthusiastic instruction from an Instructor who is keen to ensure you achieve the most from your training.

Where does the course take place?

We operate from the Port of Poole Marina.  This allows us to get out in the harbour and to our training ground very quickly.  It also means we have easy access to facilities for food stops!

How do I know what to expect from the course/what to bring etc

Being prepared means you get the most from the course.  We plan our courses carefully and you will be a sent an email containing full joining instructions.  If you have any questions at any time we always encourage you to contact us as we are happy to chat through any queries.

Can I find out any more information before booking?

Yes!  Please send us your contact details and we will send out an enquiry email with details of the RYA Helmsman / Start Motor Cruising course.

What boat will I use?

We use a Trader 475 ‘Calypso’ for the course, she is a very sturdy and seaworthy vessel.   Calypso gives you all the experience you will need to drive a motor cruiser, she is a good representation of this size vessel

Where can I find out information about the course from an independent source?

You can visit the RYA page to find out information about the RYA HELMSMAN / START MOTOR CRUISING COURSES and to confirm that we are a recognised training centre www.rya.org.uk.